Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 63,651	$ 97,126
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $14,978 and $13,801 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	58,279	49,224
Inventory	48,661	40,760
Prepaid expenses and other	21,883	21,138
Deferred income taxes	26,310	19,019
Prepaid income taxes	18,373	19,047
Total current assets	237,157	246,314
Property and equipment, net	370,646	331,687
Goodwill	1,237,607	1,092,480
Other intangible assets, net	92,403	46,986
Notes receivable, net	6,202	6,429
Deferred financing costs, net	5,435	6,700
Other	45,918	35,826
Total assets	1,995,368	1,766,422
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	32,571	28,101
Accounts payable	37,797	31,970
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	42,658	35,754
Other accrued liabilities	43,968	45,769
Total current liabilities	156,994	141,594
Long-term debt, less current portion	586,282	498,935
Deferred income taxes	101,229	82,131
Other liabilities	25,947	28,478
Total liabilities	870,452	751,138
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,964	5,799
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 86,796 and 86,179 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	87	86
Additional paid-in capital	361,715	347,848
Retained earnings	745,658	650,253
Accumulated other comprehensive income	418	737
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,107,878	998,924
Noncontrolling interests	10,074	10,561
Total equity	1,117,952	1,009,485
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,995,368	$ 1,766,422